At the forefront of vehicle safety technology for more than 40 years, Brigade Electronics continues to bring innovative aftermarket solutions to industries operating heavy goods vehicles and mobile plants.
The company pioneered the use of ultrasonic obstacle detection, white sound reversing alarms, radar, camera systems and live digital recording devices, including numerous industry firsts.
“From day one, it has always been our mission to save lives and we work hard to achieve safer roads and worksites for everyone,” said Warren DiMarco, CEO of Brigade Electronics Canada. “We are unique as a commercial vehicle safety solutions provider in that we have operated globally with dedicated offices in Canada since 2015, and the U.S., U.K. and Europe. This means that we have the power of international coverage with the convenience of local and regional expertise, suppliers and fitters. When a customer comes to us, they are guaranteed high-quality products that meet requirements and a local specialist who can answer all their questions.”
In mid-May, Brigade Electronics showcased its range of safety solutions at the CIM Connect Convention & Expo in Vancouver, B.C. One of these was its Backeye®360 AI, a 360-degree, high-definition four-camera system that was recently upgraded to include AI technology that can identify humans in vehicle blind spots.
“These blind spots become more critical in the context of large, heavy-duty vehicles, amplifying the potential risks they pose on the road or on worksites,” said DiMarco. “A staggering number of collisions involving vulnerable road users occur regularly because they are unaware of the blind spots surrounding a vehicle, which leads to a collision as they have not been spotted by the driver.”
To address this issue, Brigade developed the Backeye®360, which eliminates blind spots by providing audible and visual alerts on a single in-cab monitor when a pedestrian or cyclist is detected nearby. It recently underwent an AI upgrade and now utilizes artificial intelligence to provide enhanced detection.
“It visually alerts the driver when a person is detected using AI, irrespective of what the driver is doing,” said DiMarco. “For example, if the driver is indicating left and looking in the left camera while someone comes into range of the vehicle on the right, the system will automatically jump to that view on the monitor, alerting the driver to where the danger spot is.”
Furthermore, by having 3D options, the system can be customized to meet customers’ specific needs and their environment to provide optimum safety and total flexibility tailored to their use. Additional features can also be connected, such as an external buzzer or sounder should the vehicle be operating in a loud environment, such as a construction site.
Sensor fusion technology
To predict collisions, the company implemented sensor fusion technology, which combines devices, including the Backeye®360, with its radar obstacle detection and M2M RTLS technology.
“The system provides the operator with appropriate and timely alerts and, if required, signals the machine to prevent movement, slow down or stop entirely in the event its operator is unable to react in time,” said DiMarco.
The system – created and trialled in Canada – provides Level 7, 8 and 9 collision avoidance to deliver the ultimate in worksite safety for off-road construction and mobile mining equipment. With Level 9, in the event the operator is unable to react in time, signals tell the machine to slow down or stop. Importantly, the solution is modular and can integrate with other hardware, so it can be designed completely to meet a customer’s specification.
“The system provides the operator with appropriate and timely alerts and, if required, signals the machine to prevent movement, slow down or stop entirely in the event its operator is unable to react in time”
Warren DiMarco, Brigade Electronics Canada
DiMarco says in Canada, Brigade Electronics is established as a supplier of radar systems for heavy construction vehicles, particularly in the pipeline construction sector.
“These systems are extensively used in significant projects such as the Trans Mountain Pipeline and the LNG Pipeline in Western Canada, predominantly fitted to pipelayers and bulldozers,” he said. “Our radar technology has also transformed the safety of waste trucks for entities such as the City of Toronto and its contractors, as well as other local companies in the waste management sector.”
“User response so far has been very positive largely because the system is unique in the marketplace and tailored to detect humans,” said Vic Soloman, senior product manager at Brigade Electronics Group.
“Other detection systems offer collision detection for static obstacles and other vehicles, but Backeye®360 AI is solely focused on protecting people and is highly effective, as demonstrated by the reception it has received in the marketplace. The technology can scale from a forklift up to huge mining dump trucks and can be tailored to different environments in collaboration with customers, offering limitless opportunities and providing the ultimate in safety where people are in proximity to any vehicle operation.”